Sure, running around with a lightsaber or blaster pistol is a cool and integral part of the Star Wars experience. But, for the longest time, Star Wars: The Old Republic has been lacking one of the best things from the mythology: big honking space battles.

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Yes, yes, there have been crappy on-rails single-player dogfights in SWTOR before. Those don’t count. This new Galactic Starfighter expansion adds the real deal: groups of 12 pitting their space chariots against each other in zero-g gladiatorial combat. But, just when you get to start in on all that, depends on your current status in the game. From the press release:

Subscriber Early Access Rewards

Early Access to Galactic Starfighter on December 3

Exclusive Paint Jobs***

Two Pilot Suits

Two Titles (“Test Pilot” and “First Galactic Starfighter”)

Subscribers get the maximum leveling and progression benefit (a Starfighter Pass will also be available for purchase in the Cartel Market beginning January 14)

Preferred Status players will receive:

Early Access to Galactic Starfighter on January 14

Two Pilot Suits

Exclusive Title (“Test Pilot”)

So current subscribers get first crack, followed by folks who’ve bought stuff in the in-game store. If you haven’t done either, then you’ll need to wait until February 4to start flying and dying/killing.Still, as far as gambits to get players excited about SWTOR again go, this is a pretty good one.